Bushra Griffith
The vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and its scent can change daily. A healthy vagina can smell like anything from yogurt to sourdough bread, and even sour beer. A strong cheese-like odour could be caused by a yeast infection, which produces a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese. It can also be caused by trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics. A fishy smell could indicate bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria. A pungent, bleach-like smell could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, while a metallic smell is usually caused by blood from menstruation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common causes | Bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, trichomoniasis, urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, trimethylaminuria, chronic constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI), vaginitis, and thrush |
| Bacteria involved | Lactobacilli, G. vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida |
| Treatments | Antibiotics, antifungal medication, pessary, external cream, and oral tablets |
| Prevention | Regularly cleaning the genitals, wearing cotton underwear, and using a mild, fragrance-free soap |
| Smell descriptions | Sweet, tangy, sour, fermented, fishy, rotten, metallic, ammonia, bleach, and cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis can cause a cheese-like smell
- The presence of blood from menstruation can cause a cheese-like smell
- Urinary incontinence or a UTI may cause a bleach-like smell
- A pungent, body odour-like smell is caused by bacteria reacting with fluid from apocrine glands
- A sour smell is caused by levels of acid in the vagina
Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis can cause a cheese-like smell
Vaginal odour is a common concern for women seeking medical care, but there is very limited research on the topic. The vagina is home to billions of bacteria and a lot of different scents are considered normal. A slightly tangy or sour aroma, similar to fermented foods like yoghurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer, is caused by the presence of "'lactobacilli'" bacteria, which is common in healthy vaginas. This bacteria helps keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of harmful bacteria.
However, a cheese-like smell could be indicative of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. Yeast infections, also known as thrush, occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast or candida in the vagina. This can result in a thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese, as well as itching, soreness, and stinging during urination. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women aged 15-44 and is caused by an imbalance between "good" and "harmful" bacteria. It can result in a fishy or rotting fish smell, but sometimes the chemical smell produced can be more akin to bleach or ammonia. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics. It is known for its pungent, more pronounced fishy odour.
It is important to note that vaginal odour can also be influenced by factors such as the menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, and personal vaginal flora. Additionally, certain microbes can give off scents associated with food, including cheese, and these microbes also contain bacteria. Urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, trimethylaminuria, or chronic constipation can also result in a less common fishy smell.
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The presence of blood from menstruation can cause a cheese-like smell
It is important to remember that the vagina is home to billions of bacteria and the precise makeup of this bacteria changes daily and even hourly. The presence of blood from menstruation can cause a cheese-like smell. This is because blood contains iron, which can produce a metallic smell. During your period, if you notice a metallic smell, this is often normal and nothing to worry about.
However, it is important to note that a cheese-like smell could also be a sign of an infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), for example, is a common vaginal infection that can cause a fishy or rotting fish-like odor. This occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, which produces a strong odor. Trichomoniasis is another sexually transmitted infection that can result in a pungent fishy odor. In some cases, a fishy smell can be associated with non-infectious conditions such as urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, or chronic constipation.
Additionally, yeast infections, also known as thrush, can cause a strong vaginal odor. This type of infection leads to an overgrowth of yeast, resulting in a white, cottage cheese-like discharge that can be watery and odorless or have a strong smell. Vaginitis, an inflammation or infection of the vagina, can also cause itching, pain, discharge, and a distinct odor. It is usually caused by an imbalance between the "good" and "harmful" bacteria normally present in the vagina.
While vaginal odor can vary due to multiple factors, including the menstrual cycle, hormones, and personal vaginal flora, it is always important to consult a doctor if you are concerned or notice any unusual or persistent changes in vaginal odor, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, pain, or unusual discharge.
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Urinary incontinence or a UTI may cause a bleach-like smell
It is normal for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma, which is due to the presence of
It is important to note that a bleach-like smell can also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, certain foods, medications, liver disease, kidney stones, or pregnancy. If you are experiencing a strong bleach-like smell that does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
To prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, including wiping from front to back after using the toilet and showering regularly. Additionally, drinking enough water and urinating frequently can help maintain healthy urine odour by preventing the buildup of urine, which can contribute to a chemical smell.
While vaginal odour is influenced by various factors, it is important to recognise abnormal smells that may indicate an underlying issue. Urinary incontinence and UTIs are two potential causes of a bleach-like smell, and addressing these conditions can help alleviate the associated odour.
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A pungent, body odour-like smell is caused by bacteria reacting with fluid from apocrine glands
The human body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and they secrete sweat directly onto the surface of the skin. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located in specific areas like the armpits and groin, including the genitoinguinal region. Apocrine glands are responsible for producing body odour when their secretions come into contact with bacteria on the skin.
Apocrine glands do not become active until puberty, which is why body odour is not noticeable in pre-adolescent children. These glands produce a milky and odourless fluid that, when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, can produce a pungent aroma. This is because the bacteria feed on the sweat, breaking it down and causing body odour. The amount of sweat does not necessarily correlate with body odour; a person can have a strong body odour without being sweaty, and a person can sweat profusely without having much body odour.
The vagina is home to billions of bacteria and a high concentration of sweat glands, or apocrine glands, which are similar to those found in the armpits. The fluid produced by these glands can react with the abundant vaginal bacteria to create a pungent, body odour-like smell. This is a normal occurrence and is nothing to be concerned about. However, if the smell is accompanied by other symptoms such as burning, dryness, itching, or abnormal discharge, it could indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
Vaginal odours can vary and are influenced by various factors, including the menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, and hygiene habits. It is common for vaginas to have a tangy or sour aroma, similar to the smell of fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread, or sour beer. This is due to the presence of "lactobacilli" bacteria, which are found in most healthy vagines and help maintain a healthy vaginal pH by keeping it acidic, thus protecting against the growth of harmful bacteria.
While most vaginal odours are harmless, some may indicate an underlying issue. For example, a very sweet smell accompanied by a cottage cheese-like discharge could indicate a yeast infection. A fishy odour could be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, an STI caused by a parasite. In rare cases, a strong fishy smell could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, or chronic constipation. If you are concerned about any unusual or persistent vaginal odours, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
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A sour smell is caused by levels of acid in the vagina
It is important to remember that the vagina is home to billions of bacteria and that the precise makeup of this bacteria changes daily and even hourly. The vagina is not supposed to smell fresh or flowery, and it can have a lot of different scents that vary based on your menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, and more.
A sour smell is usually caused by the levels of acid (pH) in your vagina. Your vagina is naturally acidic to kill harmful bacteria or yeast. This is due to the presence of the "lactobacilli" bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas. This bacteria helps keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of bad bacteria. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria.
However, when the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes, it can cause an overgrowth of yeast, leading to thrush. Thrush is not an STI, but sex may trigger it. It can also cause white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese, soreness, and stinging when you pee, and itching or irritation around your vagina. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may need antifungal medication to restore the natural balance of your vagina.
In addition to thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of a sour vaginal smell. It is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44 and happens when there is an imbalance between the "good" and "harmful" bacteria in a woman's vagina. Many things can change the balance of bacteria, including sweat, semen, and urine. Urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and trichomoniasis can also cause a strong vaginal odour.
If you are concerned about any changes in your vaginal odour or are experiencing other symptoms such as itching, pain, or discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy smell could be due to a change in the pH of your vagina caused by semen, which has a naturally higher pH than the vagina. It could also be caused by smegma, a build-up of oils, skin cells, sweat, and other fluids.
Smegma is a natural occurrence, but it may develop an unpleasant odour. It is important to regularly clean your genitals to prevent this.
A fishy odour could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. A rotten or putrid smell could be caused by a forgotten tampon. A sour or tangy smell is usually normal, but if accompanied by itching or discharge, it could indicate an infection.
Vaginal infections can cause itching, pain, discharge, and odour. Types of vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.
Vaginal infections can be treated with antibiotics, antifungal medication, or creams.
